Monday, May 16, 2011

Bay to Breakers and Lessons learned

So I went to Bay to Breakers yesterday in San Francisco and it brought up something that is vital to good performance:

If you haven't heard of Bay to Breakers, it is the biggest clownfest in America. It's a 12k run for real runners mixed with the most ridiculous, drunken people in the middle of the great city of San Francisco. Bay to Breakers is a real race but lots of people partake in the parade of drinking as well. The company who sponsored stated:

"Alcohol and floats are not permitted at the 100th running of the Zazzle Bay to Breakers. Neighborhood associations, city officials, police, and race organizers have determined that alcohol and floats create a threat to public safety – alcohol laws will be enforced. Additional police and private security will be present on race day to remove floats and alcohol. This change was made to ensure everyone has a safe, fun, and challenging 100th celebration race. These new regulations will not be reversed."

Luckily, that didn't put a damper on things because people still drank but I only saw one float out. Police weren't real strict either. I saw lots of funny costumes, more naked people than i cared to see, and enough alcohol to send George Lopez into liver failure (and that's a hard thing to do). San Francisco is the only city where people can drink and smoke during a parade and the cops not care. I met the most fun people there and had one of the best times of my life. The course wasn't too bad but there is a steep hill climb about 2.5 miles into the race.

Here is the map of the course:

Back to the point: I was very dehydrated during the run and that affected my performance. I finished in 4 and a half hours compared to my aunt who finished it in 1:15.

Water helps:

deliver oxygen to cells

"flush" out the lymph node system

balancing body temperature through sweat

keep the excretory system flowing smooth

moisten mucous membranes and joints

Here are some Protips for drinking water:

a good rule of thumb is if your pee is any hint of yellow, drink more water

While eating take a gulp of water with every bite of your food. Not only does it help you get hydrated but also keeps your meal portions in check.

If you suddenly get a hankering for food, drink 2 cups of water first. If you're still hungry after 10 minutes, then go snack on something. Ive found that many times I'm hungry for a snack, my body is just really wanting water.

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About Me

I'm an engineering student at ASU and also a triathlete. After my first sprint triathlon in 9/2008 my training has been inconsistent. I lacked a goal during that time to keep me focused and persistent so I signed up for IM Coeur D'Alene 2011 which is on 6/26- a year away. Dumb? I dont know until 6/26. I do know that I'll do everything possible to get me across that finish line.